Ask Kym: Factors Illinois Courts May Consider for the Allocation of Pet Responsibility

After the seminal case of the Marriage of Enders, in 750 ILCS 503(n), Illinois law established the allocation of pet responsibility in divorces.  Here are a few of the factors that a court may consider:

1. Who owns the companion animal;
2. Who pays for the companion animal’s needs;
3. Who takes care of the companion animal’s daily needs;
4. Who walks/plays with the companion animal;
5. Who takes the companion animal to veterinarian appointments;
6. Each party’s relationship with the companion animal; and
7. The child(ren)’s relationship with the companion animal(s).